I plan to pre-order Windows 7 before the 11th, and I can't for the life of me decide which version to get.  Home goes for $49 and Pro for $99 with the current deal they have running (as I'm sure most of you know).

As best I can tell, the differences between the two versions aren't all that great.  The only major difference is XP Virtualization, a feature I'm not even sure I'll use.

Do you guys think XP mode is worth the extra $50?  I'm not exactly rolling in money at the moment, or else I'd just say, "It's only $50, who cares."

Which version do you think I should go with?  Which version are you going with?

Pro you will save more money on

so I say that one

you can buy the XP Visualization at a later date so jsut get Home

I myself will be getting Ultimate which isn't included in the deal and costs $320.

they both are good, If you no need for xp mode then just do home.. Unless you need xp mode and would need more than 16 gb of ram then do professional. Also what version of windows do you right now

I'm using Vista 32-bit now, but I plan to upgrade to 7 64-bit via clean install when I build my new PC around October-ish (after I install Vista on it, of course).

I think my main issue is that I don't know whether I'll really use XP mode.

1. Don't buy upgrade
2. Pro

You dont need to install windows vista on your new pc. also what kind of pc are you going to make because new video card are coming when windows 7 launches october 22, and you shouldnt make a pc untill after that date, as the older cards will get much cheaper. Also get home becasue since you are using vista right now you wont need xp mode due all of your apps work for vista. you can get the upgrade version and do a clean install, all you need the a disc that has vista or xp, if not then you can install 7 and updrade that. 

the more expensive has more features

You need a certain chip for xp mode to work. I would just make sure the version has Windows Media Center

@superchunk: You can clean install the upgrade pack so long as it knows you already have Windows.

@a12331: I'm planning to upgrade my PC to coincide with the release of 7. And why wouldn't I need to install Vista first before upgrading?